Roadway structure and method of making same



Q. C. LUM

Sept. 13, 1966" ROADWAY STRUCTURE AND METHOD OF MAKING SAME Filed April 2, 196:5

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ROADWAY STRUCTURE AND METHOD OF MAKING SAME Filed'April 2, 1965 5 Sheets-Sheet 2 R G m m MM w u A, F W m A C mm g 5 Am; n 0 v2. uh 0Q v2 NP ION v? R.\ 3 Eu v3. a \mJ ow x Q a wm Q a 5 fiv mm 1m 3 C ATTORNEY m m Hm" Sept. 13, 1966 Q. c. LUM 3 M ROADWAY STRUCTURE AND METHOD OF MAKING SAME Filed April 2, 1963 5 Sheets-Sheet 5 INVENTOR Quarz (I L um United States Patent 3,272,096 ROADWAY STRUCTURE AND METHOD OF MAKING SAME Quon C. Lum, 1931 N. King St., Honolulu, Hawaii Filed Apr. 2, 1963, Ser. No. 270,080 Claims. (Cl. 94--1) The present invention relates to a new and novel roadway structure and method of making same, and more particularly to a roadway structure constructed in a most inexpensive manner of readily available material.

The present invention is particularly directed to a roadway structure which is adapted to accommodate a large amount of trafiic, sometimes referred to as a free-way type or superhighway which permits relatively highspeed trafi'ic to move therealong with a maximum degree of safety.

As is well recognized, there is a World-wide problem today due to the ever increasing number of vehicles on the highways traveling at high speeds and accordingly it is necessary to provide a roadway structure which will afford a maximum degree of safety to the drivers and the pedestrians and which at the same time can be manufactured at a minimum cost and further which will require minimum maintenance as the years go by.

The roadway structure of the present invention is formed substantially entirely from a plurality of pre-cast, pre-stressed concrete modules. This construction provides a high degree of strength and provides a permanent structure which is not subject to deterioration or any substantial degree of maintenance or repair.

An important aspect of the construction of the present invention is the fact that concrete may be readily and cheaply manufactured in every populated sector of the earth, and accordingly, concrete provides the ideal building material throughout the world.

The pre-stressed, pre-cast concrete module construction in addition to being cheap and readily manufactured also provides high tensile and compressive strength. The arrangement of the present invention enables mass production techniques to be utilized in making the components of the structure, and furthermore the modules from which the structure is manufactured may be made at the building site, thereby eliminating the necessity of shipping modules from a central plant to the site where the roadway structure is being erected.

A particular feature of the invention is the fact that the modules may be erected in an efficient and effective manner with a minimum amount of personnel and equipment. In fact, it is contemplated that only a few men, a lifting crane and a pump and small incidental equipment will be required to completely assemble the roadway structure in a short period of time, thereby substantially reducing the cost of construction by more than half.

The modules of the roadway structure of the present invention are secured in assembled relationship by a bonding means preferably in the form of adhesive substance which may be pumped along edge portions of the modules as hereinafter described to enable them to be quickly secured in operative relationship and to provide a very strong finished structure.

The roadway structure of the present invention incorporates an arrangement whereby the pedestrians and fast moving trafiic may be separated from one another to afford a maximum degree of safety, and furthermore, means is provided along the main roadway portion thereof for indicating the lanes along which the vehicles are to move. A further feature of the invention is the provision of an arrangement whereby parking facilities may be provided adjacent a portion of the main roadway structure such that shoppers or commuters can readily park their cars and have access to adjacent facilities in the form of stores and shops which may be positioned adjacent to the roadway structure of the present invenvention. In one form of the invention, upper and lower main roadway portions are provided, the fast moving trafiic being directed along the upper main roadway portion while suitable public transportation may be provided along the lower roadway portion, and on this lower level pedestrians may safely Walk about and have access to certain facilities such as restrooms, telephone booths and the like.

The construction of the present invention also provides gutters and drainage in suitable portions of the structure as required, and the arrangement further eliminates the necessity of providing manholes, storm drains, utilities in the roadway or overhead wiring and utilities.

Suitable enclosed spaces are provided within the support portions of the roadway structure for receiving transfer means in the form of suitable conduits for mail and rubbish, as well as fire hydrant facilities. Sewer, gas and storm drain conduit means are also provided, these various facilities being hidden from view so as to provide a good finished appearance and yet at the same time being readily accessible for repair and maintenance when required.

Means is also provided in the over-all structure for compensating for settlement of the supporting ground if such should prove to be necessary.

The method of the present invention as pointed out previously is particularly advantageous since it can be carried out with a minimum of personnel and equipment in a most simple and effective manner requiring no great degree of skill on the part of the personnel conducting the operation, all of the various operations including the making of the modules themselves being capable of being carried out right at the site of the erection of the roadway structure.

An object of the present invention is to provide a new and novel roadway structure which requires a minimum amount of land thereby economizing on land and at the same time is formed of an inexpensive strong material.

Another object of the invention is the provision of a roadway structure so designed as to speed up traffic flow and at the same time to provide certain safety features which serve to prevent accidents and to protect the drivers as well as the pedestrians.

A still further object of the invention is to provide a novel roadway structure which provides adequate parking facilities for commuters or shoppers and which also may incorporate an auxiliary transport system such as an electric trolley or the like, and which further incorpora e certain convenience facilities such as restrooms, telephone booths and the like.

Yet another object of the invention is the provision of a roadway structure incorporating a construction which eliminates manholes, storm drains, utilities in the road, overhead wiring and utilities and which at the same time provides suitable gutters and drainage facilities.

Yet a further object of the invention is to provide a roadway structure including mail and rubbish transfer means, fire hydrant facilities, sewer, gas, and storm drains, all of which are hidden from view and which are readily accessible for repair and maintenance.

A further object of the invention is to provide a roadway structure including means for compensating for settlement of the supporting ground underneath the roadway structure.

Still another object of the invention is the provision of a novel method of erecting a roadway structure requiring a minimum number of personnel and a minimum of equipment and which can be carried out by laborers having little skill or training.

Other objects and many attendant advantages of the invention will become more apparent when considered in connection with the specification and accompanying drawings, wherein:

FIG. 1 is a top perspective view of a roadway structure according to the present invention;

FIG. 2 is an enlarged view of a portion of the structure shown in FIG. 1;

FIG. 3 is a perspective view of the mold utilized for forming the modules and prior to setting up the mold;

FIG. 4 is a top view of one end of the mold illustrating the position for manufacturing a basic size module;

FIG. 5 is a view similar to FIG. 4 illustrating the position of the mold for manufacturing a half size module;

FIG. 6 is a view similar to FIG. 4 illustrating the position of the mold for manufacturing a quarter size module;

FIG. 7 is a section through a basic size module according to the present invention;

FIG. 8 is a section through a half size module according to the present invention;

FIG. 9 is a section through a quarter size module according to the present invention;

FIG. 10 is a sectional view taken substantially along line 1010 of FIG. 1 looking in the direction of the arrows;

FIG. 11 is a top view of the mold shown in set-up position with a tensioning means disposed inoperative position therewithin;

FIG. 12 is a top perspective view partly broken away illustrating the manner in which the modules are bonded to one another; and

FIG. 13 is a top perspective view of a modified form of the roadway structure of the present invention.

Referring now to FIG. 1 of the drawings, suitable foundation means such as concrete footings are indicated as being embedded in the ground and are indicated by reference numerals 1, 2 and 3 respectively. The foundation means or piers 1, 2 and 3 may be spaced longitudinally from similar foundation means or piers which in a typical example may be on the order of 200 feet apart.

Supported on said foundations are suitable support portions indicated generally by reference numerals 4, 5 and 6, these support portions being formed of similar pre-cast, pre-stressed concrete modules which may for the sake of illustration be composed of a basic size module as hereinafter described, a half size module and a quarter size module. These sizes have been chosen merely for simplicity, it being apparent that any variation in size of the modules may be employed as desired, the utilization of the three sizes mentioned above being an economical one in view of the fact that a relatively simple mold structure may be employed for manufacturing these modules.

Support portion 4 includes a bottom module 7 resting on foundation means 1 and comprising a basic size module, a pair of side walls 8, 8 being formed of half size modules, and a cover portion 7 also comprising a basic size module. It is apparent that modules 7, 7, 8, 8 provide an enclosed area 9 within which are disposed a sewer conduit 10, a gas conduit 11, a water conduit 12, an electric conduit 13, and a telephone conduit 14. These conduits may be formed of any suitable material such as metal or rubber as the case may be, all of the conduit means being supported within enclosed area 9 such that they are hidden from view and yet are readily accessible by removal of the cover module 7.

Support portion 4 also includes a quarter size module 15 extending longitudinally and having a pair of quarter size modules 16 and 17 extending vertically with edge portions resting on the upper surface of module 15, another quarter size module 18 being supported on the upper edges of modules 16 and 17. It will be noted that a space 20 is defined between module 16 and module 8, this space serving as a storm drain which is in communication with opening means 21 extending through modules 16 and 17 whereby a liquid can drain outwardly from the storm drain through opening means 21 and thence downwardly into the underlying ground.

Referring now to the opposite side of FIG. 1, it will be noted that the support means 6 is substantially identical in construction with the support means 4 and is a mirror image thereof, similar components being provided with the same reference numerals primed as discussed in connection with support means 4.

The support means 5 at the central portion of the roadway structure comprises a half size module 22 resting upon foundation means 2, a quarter siZe module 23 being supported on the upper surface of module 22. A pair of quarter size modules 24 and 25 are resting on their edges and extend vertically from module 23, a quarter size module 26 being supported on the upper edges of modules 24 and 25.

Each of the modules of the present invention is provided with longitudinally extending grooves extending along the opposite edge portions thereof, these grooves being adapted to receive a suitable adhesive substance such as an epoxy resin or the like such resin being pumped into the grooves under pressure so as to spread out along the abutting surfaces adjacent the grooves thereby permanently bonding the support structures together.

It will be understood that each of the modules of the support portions 4, 5, and 6 are adhesively bonded to one another along the abutting surfaces thereof by suitable bonding means such as the epoxy resin discussed above thereby providing a permanent and rigid support structure.

A main roadway portion is indicated generally by reference numeral 30, this main roadway portion comprising a plurality of elongated modules 32 disposed in edge-toedge relationship with one another, these modules extending lengthwise of the roadway as illustrated, and being bonded together along adjacent edge portions thereof by bodies of a suitable bonding substance such as epoxy resin as indicated by reference numerals 33 which is disposed within the aligned grooves in abutting surfaces of the modules. It will be observed that the support means 5 supports the center of the main roadway portion 30 at a higher level than the opposite edge portions 35 and 36 thereof so as to provide a crowned arrangement whereby any water or other liquid on the roadway will drain off to the lateral edge portions thereof.

Alternate ones of said basic modules 32 may be provided with suitable marking as indicated by reference numerals 37 in the form of coloring incorporated in the concrete or any other suitable means which will distinguish alternate ones of the modules which may be of a width equivalent to a lane along which a vehicle is to travel. With this arrangement, the lanes are marked such that they are readily visible and a driver can easily ascertain the path along which he is to travel and will be guided by the color of the lane in which he is driving. This serves as a safety feature and assists in preventing a driver from accidentally moving from one lane into another.

It will be noted that the opposite longitudinal edge portions 35 and 36 of the main roadway portion are spaced from the adjacent walls 8 and 8 respectively to define therebetween gutters indicated by reference numerals 40 and 41, these gutters receiving any liquid draining off of the main roadway portion.

Referring to FIG. 2, module 18 is provided with spaced holes 43 along one edge portion thereof, these holes providing communication with the underlying storm drain means 20 whereby liquid draining into the gutter 40 will thence pass downwardly through the holes 43 into the storm drain 20 and thence outwardly through the opening means 21 previously described. It will be understood that module 18 at the opposite side of the roadway structure is provided with similar openings in the same relationship as openings 43 so as to enable liquid to drain downwardly into the storm drain means 29'.

It will, of course, be apparent as shown in FIG. 1 that the modules may be placed end-to-end for substantial distances, and all of the various components as shown in cross section in these figures may be continued indefinitely in a longitudinal direction by laying the modules end-to-end as will be well understood, and a suitable bonding substance such as an epoxy resin may be disposed between these end surfaces to fixedly secure them to one another.

Referring now to FIG. 3, a mold utilized with the present invention is illustrated, this mold being of steel construction and including a flat base member 45. A pair of side members 46 and 47 are provided as well as a pair of end members 48 and 49. Each of the side members and end members is removably supported upon the upper surface of the base member, and it will be noted that each of side members 46 and 47 has a substantially L-shaped cross-sectional configuration including horizontal legs 46 and 47 respectively and vertical legs 46" and 47 respectively.

Legs 46 and 47 are provided with a plurality of elongated slots 51 and 52 respectively which are shown as being three in number, these slots receiving bolts 53 and 54 respectively, the bolts extending through the associated slots into suitable threaded bores provided in base member 45.

It is apparent that the bolts and the associated elongated slots in the side members permit the side members to be adjusted toward and away from one another and to be fixed in a selected poistion relative to the base member.

It will also be noted that the inwardly facing surfaces on legs 46 and 47 of the side members include longitudinally extending ribs 56 and 57 respectively, the purpose of these ribs being hereinafter more fully explained.

End members 48 and as are also of substantially L- shaped cross-sectional configuration and respectively include horizontal leg portions 43' and 49' and vertical leg portions 48" and 49".

Leg portions 48 and 49 are provided with suitable openings for receiving bolts 60 and 61 respectively which extend through the openings in the end members and into suitable threaded bores provided in the base member. This permits the end members to be removed when desired or required for removing the manufactured modules.

It will be noted that leg portions 48 and 49 of the end members are provided with a plurality of spaced openings 64 and 65 respectively, these openings serving to receive the tensioning members therethrough for providing prestressing to the concrete modules.

One or more dividers may also be associated with the end and side members so as to divide the space within the mold into a plurality of spaces of pre-dete-rmined size. A typical divider is illustrated generally by reference numeral 67 in FIG. 3 and includes an upstanding wall portion 68 having longitudinally extending ribs 69 and 70 extending outwardly from the opposite sides thereof. In the illustrated example, three of these dividers may be provided for forming either full size modules, half size modules or quarter size modules. The end members 48 and 49 are also provided on the inwardly facing surfaces of leg portions 48" and 49" thereof with three spaced slots 72 and 73 respectively for receiving the opposite ends of the central body portion 68 of an associated divider for retaining the divider in operative position.

The mold as shown and described in connection with FIG. 3 may be mounted in a number of adjusted positions in accordance with the size module it is desired to manufacture.

For example, as shown in FIG. 4, the mold may be set up for making a full size module wherein the end and side members will be disposed in the relative positions shown. When making a full size module, it will be understood that slot 72 may be closed by inserting snugly fitting members therewithin so as to provide a smooth end for the module. When it is desired to manufacture two half size modules with the mold, the side members 46 and 47 may be adjusted as necessary as shown in FIG. 5, and a divider 67 inserted in the central slots in the opposite end members. It will be understood that side members 46 and 47 are spaced apart a distance which is greater than the distance illustrated in FIG. 4 by the thickness of the divider 67 so as to provide two modules which are exactly half the size of the module which would be manufactured with the mold elements in the relationship shown in FIG. 4.

FIG. 6 illustrates the relationship of the end and side members of the mold when it is desired to manufacture four quarter size modules. As seen in this figure, the side members 46 and 47 have been moved still further apart so as to provide four full size modules with the three dividers 67 mounted in the three slots provided in each of the end members of the mold. It is accordingly apparent from the foregoing that the mold may be readily adjusted to provide the desired size of the module as previously discussed.

While the mold has been illustrated as being provided with separate divider means for dividing the mold into a plurality of spaces, it is also possible that the dividers could be in the form of sheet metal dividers which could be pivoted to one of the end members of the mold either before or after pouring the concrete.

As seen particularly in FIG. 11, the mold is shown in its assembled position ready for pouring a full size module. The side and end members 4649 are locked in position by the associated bolts 53, 54, 60, and 61, and suitable filler members are inserted in slots 72 and 73 formed in the opposite end members so as to provide smooth ends for the module.

A plurality of pre-stressing members 75 shown as being 8 in number in FIG. 10 are provided, these prestressing members being in the form of elongated steel rods or the like having opposite threaded end portions. These pre-stressing members are inserted through the holes 64 and 65 provided in end members 48 and 4% respectively. Nuts 7'7 are threaded onto one threaded end portion of each of the rods, and nuts 78 are threaded on the opposite end portion of each of the rods. By tightening up on these nuts the pre-stressing members can be placed under tension in an obvious manner.

Once the pre-stressing members have been tensioned, conventional ties may be placed across rods 75 in a transverse direction in a well-known manner, and the concrete can then be poured in place within the mold and about the pre-stressing members and the associated ties. This concrete may simply be poured in the top of the mold where the mold is open as shown, or as a possible modification, a top could be placed on the mold with an opening for ejecting the concrete under pressure.

Once the concrete has been placed in the mold and has set, the nuts can then be removed from the pre-stressing members such that the completed module will be prestressed in a known manner. The module can then be removed from the mold and the ends of the pre-stressing members cut off to provide the finished pre-cast prestressed concrete module.

It will be understood that the half size modules as well as the quarter size modules can be manufactured in a similar manner utilizing the same mold along with the dividers as aforedescribed, the pre-stressing members in each case being mounted in position through the opposite end members of the mold, and the concrete then being subsequently poured within the spaces in the mold.

Referring now to FIG. 7, a section is shown through a finished full size module, the module including a main body portion 80 of concrete having pre-stressing members 75 extending longitudinally thereof, there being tie members 82 associated with the pre-stressing members in a well-known manner.

The finished module includes longitudinally extending grooves 85 and 86 along the opposite side edges of the module.

FIG. 8 illustrates a half size module indicated by reference numeral 87, this module also including longitudinally extending pre-stressing members along with tie members 82', this half-size module also being provided with longitudinally extending grooves 88 and 89 along the opposite side edges thereof.

FIG. 9 illustrates a quarter size module indicated by reference numeral 98, this quarter size module being provided with two pre-stressing members 75 and a tie member 82", this module having longitudinally extending grooves 92 and 93 formed along the opposite sid edges thereof.

Referring now to FIG. 12, the manner of securing adjacent modules together is illustrated, and for the purpose of explanation, it is assumed that it is desired to connect members 7 and 15 of the previously described support portion 4 as shown in FIG. 1. It will be understood that module 7 may for example be constructed as the module shown in FIG. 7, while the module 15 may be constructed as the module shown in FIG. 9. These two modules are disposed in abutting relationship with the edges thereof facing one another and with the grooves 86 and 92 disposed in alignment so as to receive an adhesive substance therewithin.

A pump is connected with a motor 102 and a suitable supply of the adhesive substance, the pump discharging into a flexible hose 104 which has a flexible fitting 106 at the outer end thereof which may be fitted within the aligned grooves 86 and 92 as previously described whereupon an epoxy resin adhesive substance can be pumped under pressure within these aligned grooves. The epoxy resin pump through the aligned grooves in the modules will spread out under pressure between the adjacent side faces of the modules so as to provide a well-bonded surface along the abutting surfaces.

As shown in FIG. 10 adjacent modules 32 are disposed in edge-to-edge relationship with a body of adhesive substance 33 disposed in the aligned grooves between the modules, it being understood that a thin layer of the adhesive substance will also spread out along the abutting surfaces thereby providing a very rigid interconnection and permitting the modules to be supported solely by the interconnection between adjacent modules. In other words, as seen in FIG. 1, only the out-er edge portions and the central portion of the main roadway portion are supported by the support portions whereas intermediate modules 32 are supported solely by the interconnection with the modules on either side thereof which provides a very rigid and stable structure.

Referring now to FIG. 13 of the drawings, a modified form of the invention is illustrated incorporating foundation means indicated by reference numerals 110 and 111 and 112, these foundation means being similar to foundation means 1, 2 and 3 previously described and incorporating a novel arrangement wherein each of the foundation means includes a separate and movable upper portion which can b hydraulically raised or lowered by pumping hydraulic fluid under pressure into the hollow bottom portion of the foundation means, the hydraulic line for accomplishing this upward and downward movement being illustrated by reference numeral 115 and the application of the hydraulic pressure being controlled by a suitable valve means (not shown). This hydraulic raising and lowering means permits adjustment of the support means supported by each of the foundation means if settling of the ground should occur.

A first support portion 119 includes a basic size module 120 supporting a pair of upwardly extending half size modules 121 and 122 on the upper edges of which is supported a basic size module 123 which is removable similar to the module 7' previously described in connection with the structure shown in FIG. 1. These modules define an enclosed space 124 within which is disposed water conduit means 125, sewer conduit means 126, gas conduit means 127, electric conduit means 129, and telephone conduit means 130. This arrangement is similar to that previously described.

Support means 119 includes a quarter size module upon which are supported modules 136 and 137 having opening means 140 formed therethrough and supporting on their upper portions a module 142. These components are similar to components 15, 16, 17 and 18 previously described and serve the same purpose to form a storm drain and a gutter 146, it being understood that module 142 is provided with spaced holes therethrough for permitting liquid to drain from the gutter downwardly into the storm drain and thence through the opening means 140 to drain out on the underlying ground.

Here again as in the previous modification, a similar support structure is illustrated at the opposite side of the roadway structure, and has been provided with the same reference numerals primed as the support structure 119, similar parts having been given similar reference numerals primed.

A central support structure indicated generally by reference numeral 151 includes a half size module 152 resting upon the upper surface of foundation means 111, and having supported on the upper surface thereof a quarter size module 153 upon which are supported vertically extending modules 154 and 155 of the quarter size type and supporting on their upper edges a quarter size module 156.

The lower main roadway portion is indicated generally by reference numeral and includes a plurality of basic size modules 161 disposed in edge-to-edge relationship to one another and bonded to one another as aforedescribed. It will be noted that the lengthwise dimension of these modules extends transversely of the roadway with the inner portions of each of the modules supported on module 156 and with the outer portions of each of modules 161 supported on the support portions 119 and 150 respectively to define the gutters as aforedescribed.

The lower level of this modified form of roadway structure is primarily intended for use by slow moving trafiic and pedestrians, and if desired, a suitable auxiliary transportation means which may preferably be in the form of public transportation such as trolley car 165 or the like are provided, these trolley cars being movable along tracks 166 which are supported on the upper surfaces of the modules 161. The public tranportation is preferably of an inexpensive electric trolley car or motor rail type system to encourage people to leave their cars either at home or in a parking place and to travel by means of the public transportation system.

A side wall portion is provided at each side of the roadway structure, and as seen on the left side of the structure shown in FIG. 13, the side wall portion includes three basic size modules 172 disposed in edge-to-edge relationship and three basic size modules 173 disposed in edge-toedge relationship, these modules supporting a quarter siZe module 175 at the upper portion thereof and defining an enclosed space 177 therebetween, all of these side wall portions being supported upon a module 170 supported on the upper surface of the foundation means 110 previously described.

Suitable dividers are provided between the side wall portions to define conduit means 180, 181 and 182 which respectively may comprise fire hydrant means, a vacuum rubbish chute to a suitable incinerator structure, and a vacuum mail chute to a post oflice or the like. These various conduit means which may be formed of any type of horizontally extending divider such as a module or other material also include a fitting 185 for a fire hose or the like and communicating with a fire hydrant conduit means, a closure 186 for an opening to the rubbish chute and a slot means 187 communicating with the mail chute. The rubbish chute and mail chute may be installed in such a manner as to be available to adjacent commercial or business installations alongside the roadway structure such that these facilities may be utilized by such adjacent installations.

Similar components 180, 181', 182, 185', 186' and 187 are provided in the upper portion of the side wall portion for ready access from the upper main roadway portion hereinafter described.

Similar vacuum mail chute conduit means, vacuum rubbish chute means and fire hydrant means are disposed at the opposite side of the structure and similar side wall structure is provided, the structure at the opposite side of the roadway being a mirror image of that described in connection with the left side of the roadway and no further description thereof being considered necessary since it is fully and completely illustrated.

Longitudinally extending modules 1% and 192 which may be of the quarter size type are secured to the inwardly facing surfaces of the inner wall portions of the roadway structure and serve as a support means for the upper main roadway portion 200 which is formed of a plurality of longitudinally extending modules 201 which are adhesively bonded to one another along the longitudinal edges thereof as will be well understood. In order to support the central portion of the upper main roadway portion 200, a plurality of basic size modules 2&5 are arranged as illustrated and secured to one another and support a quarter size module 206 at the upper ends thereof which support the central portion of the upper main roadway portion.

Suitable light support portions 210 extend upwardly from the opposite sides of the side wall portion of the structure and support suitable illuminating lamps 211 at the upper portions thereof.

Stairways 215 are provided at opposite sides of the roadway structure and are supported on the modules 123 and 123 respectively and provide access between the upper and lower levels of the roadway, a suitable opening being provided in the outermost modules 201 of the main upper roadway portion.

It is apparent as seen in FIG. 13 that adequate parking space is provided at opposite sides of the upper roadway portion as illustrated by the automobiles indicated schematically in such view, and alternate ones of the longitudinally extending modules 201 are provided with suitable markings for indicating the lanes thereof as indicated by reference numerals 220 which indicate for example that the modules are colored to distinguish them from adjacent modules.

Disposed beneath the stairways 215 are restrooms and telephone booths which provide convenience facilities for pedestrians on the lower level of the roadway structure, the restrooms and telephone booths being of a conventional construction. The telephone booths are indicated by reference numerals 225 and the doors to the restrooms are indicated by reference numerals 230.

Music boxes or loudspeakers may also be installed in the restrooms as well as along the lower level of the roadway structure for the purpose of entertaining the public in these areas. In addition, water drinking fountains may be installed at various locations along the roadway structure for the convenience of the public.

It is, of course, evident that the upper roadway portion can be mounted at any desired height above the lower roadway portion, and additionally, any number of roadway portions may be superimposed over one another to provide a plurality of levels as desired.

It is apparent from the foregoing that there is provided a new and novel roadway structure and method of making same which economizes on the use of land since it occupies a minimum of space and which is formed of an inexpensive and yet quite strong material which requires a minimum amount of upkeep and maintenance. The arrangement is such as to speed up traffic flow and at the same time to provide safety features to prevent accidents and protects drivers as well as pedestrians.

Adequate parking is provided along the lateral portions of the roadway and an auxiliary transportation system may be provided along with convenience facilities such as restrooms and telephone booths. The arrangement of the present invention completely eliminates the necessity of providing manholes, storm drains, utilities in the road and overhead wiring and utilities. In addition, the arrangement provides gutters and drainage in a most simple and effective manner at both sides of the roadway. Mail and rubbish transfer means is provided as well as fire hydrant facilities along with sewer, gas, and storm drain conduit means, all of these being hidden from view and yet readily accessible for repair and maintenance when required. Means is also provided for compensating for settlement of the supporting ground in the form of hydraulic means for raising portions of the foundations as required.

The method of the present invention provides an extremely simple means for forming a roadway wherein a minimum of personnel and equipment is required, and wherein the method can be readily carried out by laborers who have little skill or training.

As this invention may be embodied in several forms without departing from the spirit or essential characteristics thereof, the present embodiment is therefore illustrative and not restrictive, and since the scope of the in vention is defined by the appended claims, all changes that fall within the metes and bounds of the claims or that form their functional as well as conjointly cooperative equivalents are therefore intended to be embraced by those claims.

I claim:

1. A roadway structure comprising spaced foundation means, spaced side support portions supported by said foundation means, said support portions comprising a plurality of individually 'pre-cast, individually pro-Stressed concrete modules adhesively secured to one another, a main roadway portion comprising a plurality of individually pre-cast, individually pre-stressed concrete modules disposed in edge-to-edge relationship with one another, epoxy means adhesively securing said last-mentioned modules together only along the abutting edges thereof to form a main roadway portion having a smooth upper surface for supporting vehicles moving thereover, said main roadway portion being supported at the opposite longitudinally extending edges thereof by said support portions, central support means supporting a central portion of said main roadway portion with the remaining portions of the main roadway portion between said central support means and said side support portions supported solely by the adhesive interconnection with adjacent modules of the main roadway portion, said side support portions including spaced modules defining gutters at opposite sides of said main roadway portion to receive liquid and other material from said main roadway portion, said side support portions also including spaced modules defining storm drains for receiving liquid from said gutters and for draining away liquid to an underlying surface, said side support portions also including spaced modules defining enclosed areas adjacent said storm drains, the top of each of said enclosed area being closed by modules forming a cover portion which also serves as a sidewalk for pedestrians.

2. A roadway structure as defined in claim 1, wherein there is supported within said enclosed area sewer conduit means, gas conduit means, telephone conduit means, electric conduit means, and water conduit 'means, all of said conduit means being accessible by removing the cover portions of the enclosed area.

3. Apparatus as defined in claim 1, including side wall portions formed of a plurality of precast, pre-stressed concrete modules adhesively secured to one another, said side wall portions being formed at each side of the roadway structure and including spaced modules defining an 1 1 enclosed space at either side of said roadway structure, there being disposed within said enclosed space vacuum mail chute means, vacuum rubbish chute means, and fire hydrant means, all of which are readily accessible from the interior of the side wall portions adjacent said main roadway portion.

4. A roadway structure comprising foundation means adapted to be supported by an underlying supporting surface, spaced side support portions supported by said foundation means, said foundation means including adjustable means for raising and lowering said side support portions to compensate for settling of said underlying supporting surface, a main roadway portion comprising a plurality of individually pre-cast, individually pre-stressed concrete modules, said modules being disposed in edge-toedge relationship with one another, epoxy means securing said modules in edge-to-edge relationship and comprising the sole means for securing the modules together, the modules defining a main roadway portion having a substantially smooth upper surface for supporting vehicles moving thereover, the opposite edge portions of said main roadway portion being supported by said spaced support portions, a central support portion supporting the central portion of said main body portion, said support portions each being formed of a plurality of individually pre-cast, individually pre-stressed concrete modules which are secured to one another, said side support portions including parts spaced from the lateral edges of said main roadway portion to define gutters at opposite sides of the main roadway portion, said side support portions including spaced modules defining storm drain means adjacent the side edges and below the main roadway portion, said side support portions also including spaced modules defining an enclosed area for receiving conduit means, said side support portions including separate removable cover means for gaining access to said conduit means, said main roadway portion including visible markings on the upper surface thereof for indicating lanes extending lengthwise of the main roadway portion for indicating areas along which vehicles are intended to travel.

5. A roadway structure comprising foundation means, spaced support portions supported by said foundation means, said support portions being formed of plurality of individually pre-cast, individually pre-stressed concrete modules, said modules being adhesively secured to one another to form a permanent interconnection therebetween, said support portions including spaced modules defining an enclosed area, a removable cover means being supported by said support portions, said cover means providing access to said enclosed area, a main roadway portion having the opposite longitudinal edges thereof supported by said support portions, said main roadway portion comprising a plurality of individually pre-case, individually pre-stressed concrete modules, said modules being connected with one another only along the longitudinal edges thereof by means of an epoxy so as to form the sole means for providing a permanent interconnection between said modules, said modules having upper surfaces forming a first roadway for supporting vehicles thereon, visible marking means on the upper surfaces of said main roadway portion for indicating lanes along which vehicles are to travel, said support portions including spaced modules defining gutter means at the opposite side of said roadway structure and also including spaced modules defining storm drain means for carrying off liquid to the underlying supporting surface, said support portions including side wall portions at the opposite sides of said roadway structure, each of said side wall portions including spaced modules defining an enclosed space, and a second roadway supported in spaced vertical relationship to said first-mentioned roadway, said 12 second roadway also being supported by said support portions and comprising a plurality of individually precast, individually pre-stressed concrete modules secured to one another only along the longitudinal edge portions thereof by means of epoxy which permanently bonds the modules to one another.

6. A roadway structure as defined in claim 5, including within said enclosed area defined by the support portions sewer conduit means, gas conduit means, telephone conduit means, electric conduit means, and water conduit means.

7. A roadway structure as defined in claim 5, including within said enclosed space of said side wall portions vacuum mail chute means, vacuum rubbish chute means, and fire hydrant means each of which is readily accessihle from the inner side of the side wall portions adjacent to one of said main roadway portions.

8. A roadway structure as defined in claim 5, wherein said first-mentioned main roadway portion is disposed over said second main roadway portion, there being stairway means at opposite sides of said roadway structure extending between said upper main roadway portion and a part of the support portion adjacent said second main roadway portion, there also being provided restroom facilities and telephone facilities adjacent said stairway means.

9. The method of erecting a roadway structure comprising forming foundations on a suitable supporting surface, providing a plurality of individually pre-cast, individually pre-stressed concrete modules, forming support portions from said modules and supporting said support portions on said foundations, adhesively securing the modules of said support portions to one another to permanently secure them together, forming a first roadway portion by placing a plurality of said modules in edge-to-edge relationship with one another and securing adjacent modules together solely by an epoxy to bond the modules to one another only along said edges, forming a second roadway portion by placing a plurality of said modules in edge-to-edge relationship with one another and securing adjacent modules of said second roadway portion together solely by an epoxy to bond the modules to one another only along said edges, supporting the first main roadway portion on one part of said support portions and supporting the second roadway portion on another part of said support means such that said first and second roadway portions are spaced vertically from one another.

10. The method as defined in claim 9, wherein each of said modules forming said main roadway portions are provided with longitudinally extending grooves formed in the edge portions thereof, and said modules are adhesively bonded together by pumping an adhesive substance into aligned grooves of adjacent modules.

References Cited by the Examiner UNITED STATES PATENTS 412,261 10/1889 Jerome 94-11 728,056 5/1903 Wansbrough 94-2 922,768 5/1909 Jackson 61-44 1,333,579 3/1920 Schumacher 2092 X 1,382,106 6/1921 McKenzie 14-73 1,747,964 2/ 1930 Wirth 189-36 2,228,763 1/ 1941 Henderson 94-2 2,655,846 10/ 1953 Freyssinet 94-8 2,696,729 12/1954 Vander Hayden 50-61 2,850,890 9/ 1958 Rubenstein. 2,921,354 1/1960 Pankey 94-8 2,943,953 7/ 1960 Daniez. 3,007,284 11/ 1961 Dorland 52-223 3,067,843 12/1962 Rushtoh 189-34 (Other references on following page) 3,272,096 13 14 FOREIGN PATENTS Western Construction, publication, v01. 35, N0. 3, 553,693 1/1943 Great Britain. March lg6opages63 W174 OTHER REFERENCES CHARLES E. OCONNELL, Primary Examiner.

Journal of the American Concrete Institute, August 5 JACOB NACKENOFF Examinw' 1960, vol. 32, N0. 2, pages 173-182. N. C. BYERS, Assistant Examiner. 

1. A ROADWAY STRUCTURE COMPRISING SPACED FOUNDATION MEANS, SPACED SIDE SUPPORT PORTIONS SUPPORTED BY SAID FOUNDATION MEANS, SAID SUPPORT PORTIONS COMPRISING A PLURALITY OF INDIVIDUALLY PRE-CAST, INDIVIDUALLY PRE-STRESSED CONCRETE MODULES ADHESIVELY SECURED TO ONE ANOTHER, A MAIN ROADWAY PORTION COMPRISING A PLURALITY OF INDIVIDUALLY PRE-CAST, INDIVIDUALLY PRE-STRESSED CONCRETE MODULES DISPOSED IN EDGE-TO-EDGE RELATIONSHIP WITH ONE ANOTHER, EPOXY MEANS ADHESIVELY SECURING SAID LAST-MENTIONED MODULES TOGETHER ONLY ALONG THE ABUTTING EDGES THEREOF TO FORM AN MAIN ROADWAY PORTION HAVING A SMOOTH UPPER SURFACE FOR SUPPORTING VEHICLES MOVING THEREOVER, SAID MAIN ROADWAY PORTION BEING SUPPORTED AT THE OPPOSITE LONGITUDINALLY EXTENDING EDGES THEREOF BY SAID SUPPORT PORTIONS, CENTRAL SUPPORT MEANS SUPPORTING A CENTRAL PORTION OF SAID MAIN ROADWAY PORTION WITH THE REMAINING PORTIONS OF THE MAIN ROADWAY PORTION BETWEEN SAID CENTRAL SUPPORT MEANS AND SAID SIDE SUPPORT PORTIONS SUPPORTED SOLELY BY THE ADHESIVE INTERCONNECTION WITH ADJACENT MODULES OF THE MAIN ROADWAY PORTION, SAID SIDE SUPPORT PORTIONS INCLUDING SPACED MODULES DEFINING GUTTERS AT OPPOSITE SIDES OF SAID MAIN ROADWAY PORTION TO RECEIVE LIQUID AND OTHER MATERIAL FROM SAID MAIN ROADWAY PORTION, SAID SIDE SUPPORT PORTIONS ALSO INCLUDING SPACED MODULES DEFINING STORM DRAINS FOR RECEIVING LIQUID FROM SAID GUTTERS AND FOR DRAINING AWAY LIQUID TO AN UNDERLYING SURFACE, SAID SIDE SUPPORT PORTIONS ALSO INCLUDING SPACED MODULES DEFINING ENCLOSED AREAS ADJACENT SAID STORM DRAINS, THE TOP OF EACH OF SAID ENCLOSED AREA BEING CLOSED BY MODULES FORMING A COVER PORTION WHICH ALSO SERVES AS A SIDEWALK FOR PEDESTRAINS. 